Report: Thomas trade talks between Sabres, Blues heating up

Trade talks between the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres involving forward Robert Thomas are heating up, sources told TSN's Darren Dreger.

Thomas has 12 goals and 35 points in 43 games for the Blues this season. The 26-year-old is signed through 2030-31 at an $8.125-million cap hit, and he owns a no-trade clause.

The Sabres are offering "the equivalent of multiple first-rounders" for Thomas, reports TSN's Chris Johnston.

St. Louis was interested in Buffalo defenseman Bowen Byram last summer, but he's not expected to be a part of a potential Thomas trade, reports The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford.

The Blues haven't asked Thomas to waive his no-trade clause yet, reports Rutherford.

Thomas eclipsed 80 points in each of the past two campaigns. He set career highs in 2023-24 with 26 goals and 86 points.

The Aurora, Ontario, native was drafted 20th overall by the Blues in 2017. Thomas has accrued 119 goals and 431 points in 509 games over eight seasons in St. Louis.

The Blues are 31st in the NHL with a 22-29-9 record. Buffalo is 35-19-6 and has climbed to second in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres have missed the playoffs for 14 consecutive campaigns, which is the longest active drought in the league.

The trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET.